Hiroshige: Stations of the Tokaido Road Curated by the winter 2012 Gallery Practicum Class taught by Affiliate Professor David Keister

Date and Time

Tuesday, January 8, 2013
8:00 AM -
5:00 PM

Location

Kirkhof Center » RM 0058 THORNAPPLE

Description

Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, and one of the last great artists in that tradition.TMkaidM Road was the most important of the Five Routes of the Edo period, connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto in Japan. There were government-sanctioned post stations along the TMkaidM for travelers to rest in. Hiroshige’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road is an example of the ukiyo-e Japanese woodblock print tradition during the Edo Period (1615-1868). These “pictures of the floating world” depicted the transient leisure activities of the growing middle class, and often showed the elusive quality of nature through seasons and weather.

Hiroshige’s work is characterized by vibrant color and precise line work. His Tokaido Road series displays the liveliness and spontaneity that made his prints popular. On display until April 29, 2013.

We would like to thank the winter 2012 Gallery Practicum Class at Grand Valley State University for curating this exhibit, with special thanks to Damon Graham, Rayne Klar, Krissy Skinner, and Brianna Thiel for their detailed research, writing, and selections.